Meeting Summary
The city reported a significant 6.5% decline in August sales tax collections compared to the previous year, raising concerns about revenue for city services. Updates were provided on several Norman Forward projects, including the approved demolition of Westwood Pool and upcoming improvements to the Westwood Tennis Center. The Police Department began field testing body cameras, and residents were reminded of upcoming community events like National Night Out and a Stormwater Public Meeting.
Key Decisions & Votes
Westwood Pool Demolition Phase One
The City Council approved the first phase of demolition for the Westwood Pool, which involves removing all structures above and at grade.
Upcoming Community Events
Norman's National Night Out
5:30-8:30 p.m., approximately 50 neighborhood hosts, citywide event at Target.
Stormwater Public Meeting
6:00 p.m., televised live on Cox channel 20 and AT&T U-verse channel 99.
Financial Matters
August Sales Tax Collections
Sales tax collections for August (reflecting June activity) were down 6.5% from August 2015, continuing a negative trend and raising concerns about funding for day-to-day city services.
Current Construction Investments
The city is currently undertaking approximately $150 million in ongoing construction projects, making 2016 one of the most robust construction periods.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- Westwood Tennis Center new outdoor courts construction complete by end of January
- Some construction projects to be complete by August 18th
- Police body camera project completed by end of the year
- Westwood Tennis Center covered courts work to be done later next year
Watch For
- Turnaround in sales tax trend within the next 12 months
- Additional repairs and upgrades at Sooner Theater during the coming fiscal year
- Alternate plans for game day traffic due to Lindsay Street Bridge project
- Carefully defined policies for police body camera program
Announcements
- Field testing of 12 police body cameras from three different vendors has begun, lasting three weeks.
- Flyers regarding the upcoming election have been prepared and are being mailed to residents, with additional information available on the city website.
Agenda Summary
Sales Tax Update
Report on August sales tax collections showing a 6.5% decrease from the previous year, indicating a negative trend.
Westwood Pool Demolition Phase One
Update on the demolition of structures above and at grade at the Westwood Pool, which was approved by the City Council two weeks prior.
Westwood Tennis Center Improvements
Update on the request for design and build proposals for two new outdoor tennis courts, with construction expected from October to January, and future plans for covered courts.
Sooner Theater Improvements
Update on completed rigging adjustments and plans for additional repairs including seat replacements, electrical upgrades, restroom remodels, and architectural restoration.
Lindsay Street Bridge Project
Update on the removal of the former bridge structure and installation of a new drainage system, along with ongoing discussions for game day traffic alternatives.
General Construction Projects
Overview of 2016 as a robust construction period with approximately $150 million in ongoing investments, noting some projects will be complete by August 18th.
Police Body Camera Project
Announcement of the start of a three-week field testing period for 12 body cameras from three vendors, with project completion aimed for year-end.
Norman's National Night Out
Announcement of the community event scheduled for October 4th, involving neighborhood hosts and a citywide event at Target.
Stormwater Public Meeting
Announcement of a public meeting on August 15th at 6 PM, to be televised live.
Election Information Dissemination
Announcement that flyers with election facts are being mailed to residents, with more information available on the city website.